Lovely Lavender

Lavender, an amazing, versatile perennial that holds a special place in most herb gardens. There are several varieties and each is lovely. They are hardy and endure the salt air, blustery days and boundless rains...they continue to stalwartly remain a vital staple with many uses.

Culinary: tasty added to salads, stews, meat dishes and marinades. In South Africa we would pick the flowers and leaves from a couple sprigs put in a blender and mix with sugar, then added to top your icing...lovely flavour.

Cosmetic: may be made similarly to rose water and used as a skin tonic due to the antiseptic properties.

Medicinal: Wonderful for relaxation and sleep. Lavender tea may relieve headaches, calm the nerves and relieve anxiety. Lavender water is a great mouthwash.

Soothing cough syrups can be made: 1 cup of lavender leaves, 500g honey - place the lavender leaves in a pot and pour the honey over top. Heat gently over boiling water/a double boiler, cover and simmer for half an hour. Pour into hot jars and seal. Store for a couple months before opening. Strain, discard flowers and re-store in screw top jars.

Home uses: I have lavender in every drawer, cupboard, and closet to keep the fish moths away. Great in potpourri or little sachets scattered around the home.

Other information to be sourced: https://botanicalinstitute.org/lavender/#more-2269

Blessings.